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Zhu L, Cui X, Yan Z, Tao Y, Shi L, Zhang X, Yao Y, Shi L. Design and evaluation of a multi-epitope DNA vaccine against HPV16. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2352908. [PMID: 38780076 PMCID: PMC11123455 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2352908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer, among the deadliest cancers affecting women globally, primarily arises from persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). To effectively combat persistent infection and prevent the progression of precancerous lesions into malignancy, a therapeutic HPV vaccine is under development. This study utilized an immunoinformatics approach to predict epitopes of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and helper T lymphocytes (HTLs) using the E6 and E7 oncoproteins of the HPV16 strain as target antigens. Subsequently, through meticulous selection of T-cell epitopes and other necessary elements, a multi-epitope vaccine was constructed, exhibiting good immunogenic, physicochemical, and structural characteristics. Furthermore, in silico simulations showed that the vaccine not only interacted well with toll-like receptors (TLR2/TLR3/TLR4), but also induced a strong innate and adaptive immune response characterized by elevated Th1-type cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL2). Additionally, our study investigated the effects of different immunization intervals on immune responses, aiming to optimize a time-efficient immunization program. In animal model experiments, the vaccine exhibited robust immunogenic, therapeutic, and prophylactic effects. Administered thrice, it consistently induced the expansion of specific CD4 and CD8 T cells, resulting in substantial cytokines release and increased proliferation of memory T cell subsets in splenic cells. Overall, our findings support the potential of this multi-epitope vaccine in combating HPV16 infection and signify its candidacy for future HPV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanfang Zhu
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Xiangjie Cui
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Zhiling Yan
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, The No. 3 Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yufen Tao
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Li Shi
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
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Kalantari H, Habibi M, Ferdousi A, Asadi Karam MR, Mohammadian T. Development of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing urinary tract infection and evaluation of its immunoreactivity in a rabbit model. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:6212-6227. [PMID: 37489041 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2239915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is associated with different infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). The increased antibiotic resistance reaches the need to develop vaccine against the infections. In the present study, bioinformatics approaches were applied to design a novel multi-epitope of PcrV and OmpE from P. aeruginosa. The raised antibody against the multi-epitope was evaluated and challenge experiment was done to evaluate the efficacy of the multi-epitope. The results of epitope mapping of B-cells indicated 8 regions for PcrV and OmpE. The predicted 3D structure showed C-score = -1 and Z-score = -8.12. Molecular docking indicated high interaction between residues of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 with the multi-epitope. The results of in silico simulation of the immune responses showed elevated levels of B-cell, T-cell, and memory cells. PcrV, OmpE, and the multi-epitope were expressed in pET28a-E. coli BL21 (DE3) and purified by Nickel columns. Our findings indicated that the sera collected from immunized rabbits with the multi-epitope reacted with the multi-epitope, PcrV, and OmpE in western blot. According to the ELISA results, the antibody developed against the multi-epitope showed cross-reactivity with individual proteins PcrV and OmpE. The level of antibody raised against the multi-epitope was significantly higher than the antibody reacted with PcrV or OmpE alone in ELISA. The challenge results confirmed that the load of bacteria was decreased in immunized rabbits as compared to the control. The results present the multi-epitope composed of PcrV and OmpE as a promising candidate against P. aeruginosa. Further evaluations are under investigation in animal model.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Kalantari
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehri Habibi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atosa Ferdousi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Taher Mohammadian
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Ogire E, Perrin-Cocon L, Figl M, Kundlacz C, Jacquemin C, Hubert S, Aublin-Gex A, Toesca J, Ramière C, Vidalain PO, Mathieu C, Lotteau V, Diaz O. Dengue Virus dependence on glucokinase activity and glycolysis Confers Sensitivity to NAD(H) biosynthesis inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2024; 228:105939. [PMID: 38909960 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Viruses have developed sophisticated strategies to control metabolic activity of infected cells in order to supply replication machinery with energy and metabolites. Dengue virus (DENV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus responsible for dengue fever, is no exception. Previous reports have documented DENV interactions with metabolic pathways and shown in particular that glycolysis is increased in DENV-infected cells. However, underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly characterized and dependence of DENV on this pathway has not been investigated in details yet. Here, we identified an interaction between the non-structural protein 3 (NS3) of DENV and glucokinase regulator protein (GCKR), a host protein that inhibits the liver-specific hexokinase GCK. NS3 expression was found to increase glucose consumption and lactate secretion in hepatic cell line expressing GCK. Interestingly, we observed that GCKR interaction with GCK decreases DENV replication, indicating the dependence of DENV to GCK activity and supporting the role of NS3 as an inhibitor of GCKR function. Accordingly, in the same cells, DENV replication both induces and depends on glycolysis. By targeting NAD(H) biosynthesis with the antimetabolite 6-Amino-Nicotinamide (6-AN), we decreased cellular glycolytic activity and inhibited DENV replication in hepatic cells. Infection of primary organotypic liver cultures (OLiC) from hamsters was also inhibited by 6-AN. Altogether, our results show that DENV has evolved strategies to control glycolysis in the liver, which could account for hepatic dysfunctions associated to infection. Besides, our findings suggest that lowering intracellular availability of NAD(H) could be a valuable therapeutic strategy to control glycolysis and inhibit DENV replication in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ogire
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, NeuroInvasion TROpism and VIRal Encephalitis Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Laure Perrin-Cocon
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, VIRal Infection Metabolism and Immunity Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Marianne Figl
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, VIRal Infection Metabolism and Immunity Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Cindy Kundlacz
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, VIRal Infection Metabolism and Immunity Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Clémence Jacquemin
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, VIRal Infection Metabolism and Immunity Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Sophie Hubert
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, VIRal Infection Metabolism and Immunity Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Anne Aublin-Gex
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, VIRal Infection Metabolism and Immunity Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Johan Toesca
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, VIRal Infection Metabolism and Immunity Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Christophe Ramière
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, VIRal Infection Metabolism and Immunity Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France; Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre-Olivier Vidalain
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, VIRal Infection Metabolism and Immunity Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Cyrille Mathieu
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, NeuroInvasion TROpism and VIRal Encephalitis Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Lotteau
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, VIRal Infection Metabolism and Immunity Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France; Laboratoire P4-Jean Mérieux, INSERM, Lyon, France
| | - Olivier Diaz
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, VIRal Infection Metabolism and Immunity Team, Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, 21 Avenue Tony Garnier, F-69007, Lyon, France.
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4
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Yuan C, Lin X, Liao R. Decoding the genetic landscape of allergic rhinitis: a comprehensive network analysis revealing key genes and potential therapeutic targets. J Asthma 2024; 61:823-834. [PMID: 38266128 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2024.2306619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic Rhinitis (AR), an inflammatory affliction impacting the upper respiratory tract, has been registering a substantial surge in incidence across the globe. METHODS We embarked on examination of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). With this armory of genes identified, we engaged the tools of Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Our study continued with the establishment of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the application of LASSO regression. Finally, we leveraged a docking model to elucidate potential drug-gene interactions involving these key genes. RESULTS Through WGCNA and different express genes screening, PPI network was performed, identifying top 20 key genes, including CD44, CD69, CD274. LASSO regression identified three independent factors, STARD5, CST1, and CHAC1, that were significantly associated with AR. A predictive model was developed with an AUC value over 0.75. Also, 105 potential therapeutic agents were discovered, including Fluorouracil, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Hydrocortisone, offering promising therapeutic strategies for AR. CONCLUSION By fuzing DEGs with key genes derived from WGCNA, this study has illuminated a comprehensive network of gene interactions involved in the pathogenesis of AR, paving the way for future biomarker and therapeutic target discovery in AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chile Yuan
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohong Lin
- WEN Ziyuan Pediatric Academic School Inheritance Studio, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruosha Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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5
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Hirsch M, Desai RR, Annaswamy S, Keatinge-Clay AT. Mutagenesis Supports AlphaFold Prediction of How Modular Polyketide Synthase Acyl Carrier Proteins Dock With Downstream Ketosynthases. Proteins 2024. [PMID: 39078105 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The docking of an acyl carrier protein (ACP) domain with a downstream ketosynthase (KS) domain in each module of a polyketide synthase (PKS) helps ensure accurate biosynthesis. If the polyketide chain bound to the ACP has been properly modified by upstream processing enzymes and is compatible with gatekeeping residues in the KS tunnel, a transacylation reaction can transfer it from the 18.1-Å phosphopantetheinyl arm of the ACP to the reactive cysteine of the KS. AlphaFold-Multimer predicts a general interface for these transacylation checkpoints. Half of the solutions obtained for 50 ACP/KS pairs show the KS motif TxLGDP forming the first turn of an α-helix, as in reported structures, while half show it forming a type I β-turn not previously observed. Solutions with the latter conformation may represent how these domains are relatively positioned during the transacylation reaction, as the entrance to the KS active site is relatively open and the phosphopantetheinylated ACP serine and the reactive KS cysteine are relatively closer-17.2 versus 20.9 Å, on average. To probe the predicted interface, 20 mutations were made to KS surface residues within the model triketide lactone synthase P1-P6-P7. The activities of these mutants are consistent with the proposed interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Hirsch
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Ronak R Desai
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Shreyas Annaswamy
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Adrian T Keatinge-Clay
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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6
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Guan Y, Mei J, Gao X, Wang C, Jia M, Ahmad S, Muhammad FN, Ai H. Prediction of the 3D conformation of a small peptide vaccine targeting Aβ42 oligomers. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:20087-20102. [PMID: 39007924 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp02078b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The original etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) proteins, which starts from the aggregation of the Aβ oligomers. The optimal therapeutic strategy targeting Aβ oligomer aggregation is the development of AD vaccines. Despite the fact that positive progress has been made for experimental attempts at AD vaccines, the physicochemical and even structural properties of these AD vaccines remain unclear. In this study, through immunoinformatic and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we first designed and simulated an alternative of vaccine TAPAS and found that the structure of the alternative can reproduce the 3D conformation of TAPAS determined experimentally. Meanwhile, immunoinformatic methods were used to analyze the physicochemical properties of TAPAS, including immunogenicity, antigenicity, thermal stability, and solubility, which confirm well the efficacy and safety of the vaccine, and validate the scheme reliability of immunoinformatic and MD simulations in designing and simulating the TAPAS vaccine. Using the same scheme, we predicted the 3D conformation of the optimized ACI-24 peptide vaccine, an Aβ peptide with the first 15 residues of Aβ42 (Aβ1-15). The vaccine was verified once to be effective against both full-length Aβ1-42 and truncated Aβ4-42 aggregates, but an experimental 3D structure was absent. We have also explored the immune mechanism of the vaccine at the molecular level and found that the optimized ACI-24 and its analogues can block the growth of either full-length Aβ1-42 or truncated Aβ4-42 pentamer by contacting the hydrophobic residues within the N-terminus and β1 region on the contact surface of either pentamer. Additionally, residues (D1, D7, S8, H13, and Q15) were identified as the key residues of the vaccine to contact either of the two Aβ oligomers. This work provides a feasible implementation scheme of immunoinformatic and MD simulations for the development of AD small peptide vaccines, validating the power of the scheme as a parallel tool to the experimental approaches and injecting molecular-level information into the understanding and design of anti-AD vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvning Guan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China.
| | - Jinfei Mei
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China.
| | - Xvzhi Gao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China.
| | - Chuanbo Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China.
| | - Mengke Jia
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China.
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China.
| | - Fahad Nouman Muhammad
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China.
| | - Hongqi Ai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, P. R. China.
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7
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Yuan Y, Fang A, Zhang M, Zhou M, Fu ZF, Zhao L. Lassa virus Z protein hijacks the autophagy machinery for efficient transportation by interrupting CCT2-mediated cytoskeleton network formation. Autophagy 2024:1-18. [PMID: 39007910 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2379099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The Lassa virus (LASV) is a widely recognized virulent pathogen that frequently results in lethal viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF). Earlier research has indicated that macroautophagy/autophagy plays a role in LASV replication, but, the precise mechanism is unknown. In this present study, we show that LASV matrix protein (LASV-Z) is essential for blocking intracellular autophagic flux. LASV-Z hinders actin and tubulin folding by interacting with CCT2, a component of the chaperonin-containing T-complexes (TRiC). When the cytoskeleton is disrupted, lysosomal enzyme transit is hampered. In addition, cytoskeleton disruption inhibits the merge of autophagosomes with lysosomes, resulting in autophagosome accumulation that promotes the budding of LASV virus-like particles (VLPs). Inhibition of LASV-Z-induced autophagosome accumulation blocks the LASV VLP budding process. Furthermore, it is found that glutamine at position 29 and tyrosine at position 48 on LASV-Z are important in interacting with CCT2. When these two sites are mutated, LASV-mut interacts with CCT2 less efficiently and can no longer inhibit the autophagic flux. These findings demonstrate a novel strategy for LASV-Z to hijack the host autophagy machinery to accomplish effective transportation.Abbreviation: 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; ATG5: autophagy related 5; ATG7: autophagy related 7; Baf-A1: bafilomycin A1; CCT2: chaperonin containing TCP1 subunit 2; co-IP: co-immunoprecipitation; CTSD: cathepsin D; DAPI: 4',6-diamidino-2'-phenylindole; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; EGFR: epidermal growth factor receptor; GFP: green fluorescent protein; hpi: hours post-infection; hpt: hours post-transfection; LAMP1: lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1; LASV: lassa virus; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; mCherry: red fluorescent protein; PM: plasma membrane; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; STX6: syntaxin 6; VLP: virus-like particle; TEM: transmission electron microscopy; TRiC: chaperonin-containing T-complex; WB: western blotting; μm: micrometer; μM: micromole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueming Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - An Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen F Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Siegman A, Shaykevich A, Chae D, Silverman I, Goel S, Maitra R. Erlotinib Treatment in Colorectal Cancer Suppresses Autophagy Based on KRAS Mutation. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:7530-7547. [PMID: 39057088 PMCID: PMC11276370 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The KRAS gene is mutated in approximately 45% of colorectal cancer patients. There are currently very few targeted treatments or therapies equipped to directly inhibit KRAS due to its unusual structural intricacies. Erlotinib, an EGFR inhibitor, has previously been demonstrated to reduce cell viability by inducing autophagy in lung cancer cell lines with varying EGFR mutations. In contrast to lung cancer cells, evidence is provided herein for the first time that erlotinib treatment in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines reduces autophagy and still results in decreased cell viability. However, the effects of erlotinib in CRC cell lines containing a wildtype KRAS gene were different than in cells carrying a mutant KRAS gene. We show that there is significantly more downregulation of autophagy in KRAS mutant CRC cells compared to KRAS wildtype cells, both at transcriptional and translational levels, suggesting that the KRAS mutation is advantageous for cancer growth, even in the presence of erlotinib. Cell viability results determined that KRAS wildtype CRC cells had significantly more cell death compared to KRAS mutant cells. Using patient mRNA datasets, we showed that there was a significant correlation between the presence of the KRAS mutation and the expression of autophagy proteins. Additionally, through molecular dynamics simulations, we develop a blueprint for KRAS and autophagy protein interaction and the impact of the KRAS mutation on autophagy protein regulation. Overall, this is the first report of erlotinib treatment in CRC cells that assesses autophagy, and we demonstrate that autophagy activity is downregulated in these cells. This effect is not only greater in cells carrying a KRAS mutation compared to wildtype cells, but the KRAS mutant cells also have increased cell viability compared to wildtype cells. We hypothesize that the difference in cell viability and autophagy expression between KRAS mutant and KRAS wildtype cells after treatment with erlotinib can be of therapeutic value to treat CRC patients carrying KRAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Siegman
- Department of Biology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY 10033, USA (D.C.)
| | - Aaron Shaykevich
- Department of Biology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY 10033, USA (D.C.)
| | - Danbee Chae
- Department of Biology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY 10033, USA (D.C.)
| | - Isaac Silverman
- Department of Biology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY 10033, USA (D.C.)
| | - Sanjay Goel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Radhashree Maitra
- Department of Biology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY 10033, USA (D.C.)
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Sharanya CS, Wilbee DS, Sathi SN, Natarajan K. Computational screening combined with well-tempered metadynamics simulations identifies potential TMPRSS2 inhibitors. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16197. [PMID: 39003338 PMCID: PMC11246518 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Type-II transmembrane serine proteases are effective pharmacological targets for host defence against viral entry and in certain cancer cell progressions. These serine proteases cleave viral spike proteins to expose the fusion peptide for cell entry, which is essential to the life cycle of the virus. TMPRSS2 inhibitors can also fight against respiratory viruses that employ them for cell entry. Our study combining virtual screening, all-atom molecular dynamics, and well-tempered metadynamics simulation identifies vicenin-2, neohesperidin, naringin, and rhoifolin as promising TMPRSS2 antagonists. The binding energies obtained are - 16.3, - 15.4, - 13.6, and - 13.8 kcal/mol for vicenin-2, neohesperidin, naringin, and rhoifolin respectively. The RMSD, RMSF, PCA, DCCM, and binding free energy profiles also correlate with the stable binding of these ligands at the active site of TMPRSS2. The study reveals that these molecules could be promising lead molecules for combating future outbreaks of coronavirus and other respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Sharanya
- Transdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - D Sasikala Wilbee
- Transdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Shijulal Nelson Sathi
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Kathiresan Natarajan
- Transdisciplinary Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
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Zhankina R, Zhanbyrbekuly U, Askarov M, Zare A, Jafari N, Saipiyeva D, Sherkhanov R, Akhmetov D, Hashemi A, Farjam M, Tanideh N, Aflatoonian B, Mussin NM, Kaliyev AA, Sultangereyev Y, Baneshi H, Shirazi R, Mahdipour M, Bakhshalizadeh S, Rahmanifar F, Tamadon A. Improving Fertility in Non-obstructive Azoospermia: Results from an Autologous Bone Mar-row-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Phase I Clinical Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2024; 18:60-70. [PMID: 39033372 PMCID: PMC11263852 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2023.2005045.1480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this phase I clinical trial, our primary objective was to develop an innovative therapeutic approach utilizing autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (BM-MSCs) for the treatment of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Additionally, we aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of this approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS We recruited 80 participants in this non-randomized, open-label clinical trial, including patients undergoing NOA treatment using autologous BM-MSCs (n=40) and those receiving hormone therapy as a control group (n=40). Detailed participant characteristics, such as age, baseline hormonal profiles, etiology of NOA, and medical history, were thoroughly documented. Autotransplantation of BM-MSCs into the testicular network was achieved using microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (microTESE). Semen analysis and hormonal assessments were performed both before and six months after treatment. Additionally, we conducted an in-silico analysis to explore potential protein-protein interactions between exosomes secreted from BM-MSCs and receptors present in human seminiferous tubule cells. RESULTS Our results revealed significant improvements following treatment, including increased testosterone and inhibin B levels, elevated sperm concentration, and reduced levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin. Notably, in nine patients (22.5%) previously diagnosed with secondary infertility and exhibiting azoospermia before treatment, the proposed approach yielded successful outcomes, as indicated by hormonal profile changes over six months. Importantly, these improvements were achieved without complications. Additionally, our in-silico analysis identified potential binding interactions between the protein content of BM-MSC-derived exosomes and receptors integral to spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION Autotransplantation of BM-MSCs into the testicular network using microTESE in NOA patients led to the regeneration of seminiferous tubules and the regulation of hormonal profiles governing spermatogenesis. Our findings support the safety and effectiveness of autologous BM-MSCs as a promising treatment modality for NOA, with a particular focus on the achieved outcomes in patients with secondary infertility (registration number: IRCT20190519043634N1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rano Zhankina
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | - Afshin Zare
- Department of R&D Research, PerciaVista R&D Co., Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nazanin Jafari
- Department of R&D Research, PerciaVista R&D Co., Shiraz, Iran
| | - Dana Saipiyeva
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Ravil Sherkhanov
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Daniyar Akhmetov
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Astana Medical University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Alireza Hashemi
- Department of R&D Research, PerciaVista R&D Co., Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Farjam
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Nader Tanideh
- Department of R&D Research, PerciaVista R&D Co., Shiraz, Iran
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behrouz Aflatoonian
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, School of Paramedicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Nadiar Maratovich Mussin
- Department of General Surgery, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Asset Askerovich Kaliyev
- Department of General Surgery, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Yerlan Sultangereyev
- Department of General Surgery, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Aktobe Medical Center, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Hanieh Baneshi
- Department of R&D Research, PerciaVista R&D Co., Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Shirazi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mahdi Mahdipour
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shabnam Bakhshalizadeh
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Farhad Rahmanifar
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amin Tamadon
- Department of R&D Research, PerciaVista R&D Co., Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Natural Sciences, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan.
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Naskar S, Harsukhbhai Chandpa H, Agarwal S, Meena J. Super epitope dengue vaccine instigated serotype independent immune protection in-silico. Vaccine 2024; 42:3857-3873. [PMID: 38616437 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Dengue becomes the most common life-threatening infectious arbovirus disease globally, with prevalence in the tropical and subtropical areas. The major clinical features include dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), a condition of hypovolemic shock. Four different serotypes of the dengue virus, known as dengue virus serotype (DENV)- 1, 2, 3 and 4 can infect humans. Only one vaccine is available in the market, named Dengvaxia by Sanofi Pasteur, but there is no desired outcome of this treatment due the antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) of the multiple dengue serotypes. As of now, there is no cure against dengue disease. Our goal in this work was to create a subunit vaccine based on several epitopes that would be effective against every serotype of the dengue virus. Here, computational methods like- immunoinformatics and bioinformatics were implemented to find out possible dominant epitopes. A total of 21 epitopes were chosen using various in-silico techniques from the expected 133 major histocompatibility complex (MHC)- I and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)- II epitopes, along with 95 B-cell epitopes which were greatly conserved. Immune stimulant, non-allergenic and non-toxic immunodominant epitopes (super epitopes) with a suitable adjuvant (Heparin-Binding Hemagglutinin Adhesin, HBHA) were used to construct the vaccine. Following the physicochemical analysis, vaccine construct was docked with Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to predict the immune stimulation. Consequently, the optimal docked complex that demonstrated the least amount of ligand-receptor complex deformability was used to conduct the molecular dynamics analysis. By following the codon optimization, the final vaccine molecule was administered into an expressing vector to perform in-silico cloning. The robust immune responses were generated in the in-silico immune simulation analysis. Hence, this study provides a hope to control the dengue infections. For validation of the immune outcomes, in-vitro as well as in-vivo investigations are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovan Naskar
- ImmunoEngineering and Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Hitesh Harsukhbhai Chandpa
- ImmunoEngineering and Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Shalini Agarwal
- ImmunoEngineering and Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Jairam Meena
- ImmunoEngineering and Therapeutics Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, India.
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Chowdhury N, Wellslager B, Lee H, Gilbert JL, Yilmaz Ö. Glutamate is a key nutrient for Porphyromonas gingivalis growth and survival during intracellular autophagic life under nutritionally limited conditions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.08.602514. [PMID: 39026746 PMCID: PMC11257440 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.602514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Porphyromonas gingivalis survives in special autophagic vacuoles that serve as major replicative habitats in human primary gingival epithelial cells (GECs). As an asaccharolytic strict anaerobe, P. gingivalis is dependent on amino acids and peptides for nutrient sources. However, it is largely unknown as to P. gingivalis' metabolic processing under the nutritionally limited intracellular environments such the vacuoles, especially the preferred amino acids and associated-metabolic machineries. Here we elucidate that a Glutamate (Glu) catabolic enzyme, glutamate dehydrogenase (GdhA) is highly enriched in the isolated P. gingivalis -containing vacuoles. Interestingly, we found that P. gingivalis induces conversion of intracellular glutamine pool to Glu determined by analyses of the P. gingivalis- containing vacuoles and the whole infected-GECs. Critically, exogenous Glu-Glu dipeptide, a simple precursor of Glu, significantly increases the size of isolated intact P. gingivalis containing-vacuoles and live wild-type P. gingivalis numbers in GECs. In contrast, the isogenic GdhA-deficient-strain, Δ gdhA displayed a significant growth defect with collapsed-vacuoles in GECs. Next, we confirmed that P. gingivalis uptakes 14 C-Glu and it preferentially utilizes Glu-Glu-dipeptide using a nutritionally reduced Tryptic-Soy-Broth (TSB) media supplemented with Glu-Glu. Contrary, Δ gdhA -strain showed no detectable growth especially in nutritionally reduced TSB media with Glu-Glu. Using Atomic-Force-Microscopy, we observed that, wild-type P. gingivalis but not Δ gdhA strain notably increased the cell volume upon Glu-Glu supplementation, an indicator of higher metabolism and growth. Utilization of a human gingiva-mimicking organoid-system further validated the importance of Glu as an essential nutrient for the intramucosal colonization of P. gingivalis via the protected replicative vacuoles in GECs. Importance This study reveals that P. gingivalis heavily depends on preferential utilization of Glutamate (Glu) for autophagic vacuolar growth and survival in human GECs. Several novel observations are made to support this: (i) GdhA of P. gingivalis is highly enriched in these vacuoles, (ii) P. gingivalis induces a large conversion of intracellular glutamine to Glu, (iii) size of vacuoles are significantly increased in the presence of Glu-Glu in P. gingivalis wild-type strain infection which is opposite in a Δ gdhA strain, (iv) P. gingivalis uptakes 14 C-Glu and preferentially utilizes Glu-Glu dipeptide, (v) similarly, wild-type strain shows growth increase in a nutritionally reduced bacterial culture media, and (vi) finally, Glu-Glu supplementation increases bacterial cell-volume of P. gingivalis wild-type but not Δ gdhA strain, an indicator of higher metabolism and growth. Taken together, this study highlights the pathophysiological importance of Glu for P. gingivalis growth-rate, biomass induction and survival in nutritionally limited host subcellular environments.
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Csikász-Nagy A, Fichó E, Noto S, Reguly I. Computational tools to predict context-specific protein complexes. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 88:102883. [PMID: 38986166 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Interactions between thousands of proteins define cells' protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Some of these interactions lead to the formation of protein complexes. It is challenging to identify a protein complex in a haystack of protein-protein interactions, and it is even more difficult to predict all protein complexes of the complexome. Simulations and machine learning approaches try to crack these problems by looking at the PPI network or predicted protein structures. Clustering of PPI networks led to the first protein complex predictions, while most recently, atomistic models of protein complexes and deep-learning-based structure prediction methods have also emerged. The simulation of PPI level interactions even enables the quantitative prediction of protein complexes. These methods, the required data sources, and their potential future developments are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Csikász-Nagy
- Cytocast Hungary Kft, Budapest, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | | | - Santiago Noto
- Cytocast Hungary Kft, Budapest, Hungary; Escola de Matemática Aplicada, Fundação Getúlio Vargas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - István Reguly
- Cytocast Hungary Kft, Budapest, Hungary; Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
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14
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Masum MHU, Wajed S, Hossain MI, Moumi NR, Talukder A, Rahman MM. An mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer designed by applying in silico immunoinformatics and reverse vaccinology approaches. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305413. [PMID: 38976715 PMCID: PMC11230540 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent pancreatic cancer, which is considered a significant global health concern. Chemotherapy and surgery are the mainstays of current pancreatic cancer treatments; however, a few cases are suitable for surgery, and most of the cases will experience recurrent episodes. Compared to DNA or peptide vaccines, mRNA vaccines for pancreatic cancer have more promise because of their delivery, enhanced immune responses, and lower proneness to mutation. We constructed an mRNA vaccine by analyzing S100 family proteins, which are all major activators of receptors for advanced glycation end products. We applied immunoinformatic approaches, including physicochemical properties analysis, structural prediction and validation, molecular docking study, in silico cloning, and immune simulations. The designed mRNA vaccine was estimated to have a molecular weight of 165023.50 Da and was highly soluble (grand average of hydropathicity of -0.440). In the structural assessment, the vaccine seemed to be a well-stable and functioning protein (Z score of -8.94). Also, the docking analysis suggested that the vaccine had a high affinity for TLR-2 and TLR-4 receptors. Additionally, the molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation analysis of the "Vaccine-TLR-2" (-141.07 kcal/mol) and "Vaccine-TLR-4" (-271.72 kcal/mol) complexes also suggests a strong binding affinity for the receptors. Codon optimization also provided a high expression level with a GC content of 47.04% and a codon adaptation index score 1.0. The appearance of memory B-cells and T-cells was also observed over a while, with an increased level of helper T-cells and immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG). Moreover, the minimum free energy of the mRNA vaccine was predicted at -1760.00 kcal/mol, indicating the stability of the vaccine following its entry, transcription, and expression. This hypothetical vaccine offers a groundbreaking tool for future research and therapeutic development of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Habib Ullah Masum
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Shah Wajed
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Infectiology: Biology of Infectious Diseases, Universite Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Md Imam Hossain
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Nusrat Rahman Moumi
- Medical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Talukder
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Md Mijanur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- Microbiology, Cancer and Bioinformatics Research Group, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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15
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Morales-Camilo N, Liu J, Ramírez MJ, Canales-Salgado P, Alegría JJ, Liu X, Ong HT, Barrera NP, Fierro A, Toyama Y, Goult BT, Wang Y, Meng Y, Nishimura R, Fong-Ngern K, Low CSL, Kanchanawong P, Yan J, Ravasio A, Bertocchi C. Alternative molecular mechanisms for force transmission at adherens junctions via β-catenin-vinculin interaction. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5608. [PMID: 38969637 PMCID: PMC11226457 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49850-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Force transmission through adherens junctions (AJs) is crucial for multicellular organization, wound healing and tissue regeneration. Recent studies shed light on the molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction at the AJs. However, the canonical model fails to explain force transmission when essential proteins of the mechanotransduction module are mutated or missing. Here, we demonstrate that, in absence of α-catenin, β-catenin can directly and functionally interact with vinculin in its open conformation, bearing physiological forces. Furthermore, we found that β-catenin can prevent vinculin autoinhibition in the presence of α-catenin by occupying vinculin´s head-tail interaction site, thus preserving force transmission capability. Taken together, our findings suggest a multi-step force transmission process at AJs, where α-catenin and β-catenin can alternatively and cooperatively interact with vinculin. This can explain the graded responses needed to maintain tissue mechanical homeostasis and, importantly, unveils a force-bearing mechanism involving β-catenin and extended vinculin that can potentially explain the underlying process enabling collective invasion of metastatic cells lacking α-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Morales-Camilo
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jingzhun Liu
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Manuel J Ramírez
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Canales-Salgado
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan José Alegría
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Foundational Research on Data (IMFD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Xuyao Liu
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Ting Ong
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nelson P Barrera
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Angélica Fierro
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yusuke Toyama
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Benjamin T Goult
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell & Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Yilin Wang
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yue Meng
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ryosuke Nishimura
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kedsarin Fong-Ngern
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christine Siok Lan Low
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pakorn Kanchanawong
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 117542, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrea Ravasio
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Cristina Bertocchi
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile.
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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16
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Batista C, Cruz JVR, Stipursky J, de Almeida Mendes F, Pesquero JB. Kinin B 1 receptor and TLR4 interaction in inflammatory response. Inflamm Res 2024:10.1007/s00011-024-01909-1. [PMID: 38965133 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01909-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to broaden our understanding of a potential interaction between B1R and TLR4, considering earlier studies suggesting that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may trigger B1R stimulation. METHODS We assessed the impact of DBK and LPS on the membrane potential of thoracic aortas from C57BL/6, B1R, or TLR4 knockout mice. Additionally, we examined the staining patterns of these receptors in the thoracic aortas of C57BL/6 and in endothelial cells (HBMEC). RESULTS DBK does not affect the resting membrane potential of aortic rings in C57BL/6 mice, but it hyperpolarizes preparations in B1KO and TLR4KO mice. The hyperpolarization mechanism in B1KO mice involves B2R, and the TLR4KO response is independent of cytoplasmic calcium influx but relies on potassium channels. Conversely, LPS hyperpolarizes thoracic aorta rings in both C57BL/6 and B1KO mice, with the response unaffected by a B1R antagonist. Interestingly, the absence of B1R alters the LPS response to potassium channels. These activities are independent of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). While exposure to DBK and LPS does not alter B1R and TLR4 mRNA expression, treatment with these agonists increases B1R staining in endothelial cells of thoracic aortic rings and modifies the staining pattern of B1R and TLR4 in endothelial cells. Proximity ligation assay suggests a interaction between the receptors. CONCLUSION Our findings provide additional support for a putative connection between B1R and TLR4 signaling. Given the involvement of these receptors and their agonists in inflammation, it suggests that drugs and therapies targeting their effects could be promising therapeutic avenues worth exploring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Batista
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rua César Pernetta, S/N, Prédio do ICB (Anexo ao Bloco F do CCS), 3º andar, sala LJ.03.01, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21941-902, Brazil
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Pedro de Toledo, 669, 9° andar, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 04039-032, Brazil
| | - João Victor Roza Cruz
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rua César Pernetta, S/N, Prédio do ICB (Anexo ao Bloco F do CCS), 3º andar, sala LJ.03.01, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Joice Stipursky
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rua César Pernetta, S/N, Prédio do ICB (Anexo ao Bloco F do CCS), 3º andar, sala LJ.03.01, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Fabio de Almeida Mendes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rua César Pernetta, S/N, Prédio do ICB (Anexo ao Bloco F do CCS), 3º andar, sala LJ.03.01, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP: 21941-902, Brazil.
| | - João Bosco Pesquero
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R. Pedro de Toledo, 669, 9° andar, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 04039-032, Brazil.
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Hribar-Lee B, Lukšič M. Biophysical Principles Emerging from Experiments on Protein-Protein Association and Aggregation. Annu Rev Biophys 2024; 53:1-18. [PMID: 37906740 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-030722-111729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Protein-protein association and aggregation are fundamental processes that play critical roles in various biological phenomena, from cellular signaling to disease progression. Understanding the underlying biophysical principles governing these processes is crucial for elucidating their mechanisms and developing strategies for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we provide an overview of recent experimental studies focused on protein-protein association and aggregation. We explore the key biophysical factors that influence these processes, including protein structure, conformational dynamics, and intermolecular interactions. We discuss the effects of environmental conditions such as temperature, pH and related buffer-specific effects, and ionic strength and related ion-specific effects on protein aggregation. The effects of polymer crowders and sugars are also addressed. We list the techniques used to study aggregation. We analyze emerging trends and challenges in the field, including the development of computational models and the integration of multidisciplinary approaches for a comprehensive understanding of protein-protein association and aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Hribar-Lee
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Miha Lukšič
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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18
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Yu X, Duan G, Pei P, Chen L, Gu R, Hu W, Zhang H, Wang YD, Gong L, Liu L, Chu TT, Li JP, Luo SZ. Heparan sulfate-dependent phase separation of CCL5 and its chemotactic activity. eLife 2024; 13:RP93871. [PMID: 38949655 PMCID: PMC11216747 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Secreted chemokines form concentration gradients in target tissues to control migratory directions and patterns of immune cells in response to inflammatory stimulation; however, how the gradients are formed is much debated. Heparan sulfate (HS) binds to chemokines and modulates their activities. In this study, we investigated the roles of HS in the gradient formation and chemoattractant activity of CCL5 that is known to bind to HS. CCL5 and heparin underwent liquid-liquid phase separation and formed gradient, which was confirmed using CCL5 immobilized on heparin-beads. The biological implication of HS in CCL5 gradient formation was established in CHO-K1 (wild-type) and CHO-677 (lacking HS) cells by Transwell assay. The effect of HS on CCL5 chemoattractant activity was further proved by Transwell assay of human peripheral blood cells. Finally, peritoneal injection of the chemokines into mice showed reduced recruitment of inflammatory cells either by mutant CCL5 (lacking heparin-binding sequence) or by addition of heparin to wild-type CCL5. Our experimental data propose that co-phase separation of CCL5 with HS establishes a specific chemokine concentration gradient to trigger directional cell migration. The results warrant further investigation on other heparin-binding chemokines and allows for a more elaborate insight into disease process and new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Guangfei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Pengfei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Long Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Renji Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Wenrui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Hongli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Yan-Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Lili Gong
- Institute of Medical Science, China-Japan Friendship HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Lihong Liu
- Institute of Medical Science, China-Japan Friendship HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Ting-Ting Chu
- Greater Bay Biomedical InnoCenter, Shenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhenChina
| | - Jin-Ping Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of UppsalaUppsalaSweden
| | - Shi-Zhong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical TechnologyBeijingChina
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19
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Wossnig L, Furtmann N, Buchanan A, Kumar S, Greiff V. Best practices for machine learning in antibody discovery and development. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104025. [PMID: 38762089 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
In the past 40 years, therapeutic antibody discovery and development have advanced considerably, with machine learning (ML) offering a promising way to speed up the process by reducing costs and the number of experiments required. Recent progress in ML-guided antibody design and development (D&D) has been hindered by the diversity of data sets and evaluation methods, which makes it difficult to conduct comparisons and assess utility. Establishing standards and guidelines will be crucial for the wider adoption of ML and the advancement of the field. This perspective critically reviews current practices, highlights common pitfalls and proposes method development and evaluation guidelines for various ML-based techniques in therapeutic antibody D&D. Addressing challenges across the ML process, best practices are recommended for each stage to enhance reproducibility and progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Wossnig
- LabGenius Ltd, The Biscuit Factory, 100 Drummond Road, London SE16 4DG, UK; Department of Computer Science, University College London, 66-72 Gower St, London WC1E 6EA, UK.
| | - Norbert Furtmann
- R&D Large Molecules Research Platform, Sanofi Deutschland GmbH, Industriepark Höchst, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Andrew Buchanan
- Biologics Engineering, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Computational Protein Design and Modeling Group, Computational Science, Moderna Therapeutics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology and Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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20
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Shim JG, Chuon K, Kim JH, Lee SJ, Song MC, Cho SG, Hour C, Jung KH. Proton-pumping photoreceptor controls expression of ABC transporter by regulating transcription factor through light. Commun Biol 2024; 7:789. [PMID: 38951607 PMCID: PMC11217422 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06471-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Light is a significant factor for living organisms with photosystems, like microbial rhodopsin-a retinal protein that functions as an ion pump, channel, and sensory transduction. Gloeobacter violaceus PCC7421, has a proton-pumping rhodopsin gene, the Gloeobacter rhodopsin (GR). The helix-turn-helix family of transcriptional regulators has various motifs, and they regulate gene expression in the presence of various metal ions. Here, we report that active proton outward pumping rhodopsin interacted with the helix-turn-helix transcription regulator and regulated gene expression. This interaction is confirmed using ITC analysis (KD of 8 μM) and determined the charged residues required. During in vitro experiments using fluorescent and luciferase reporter systems, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and the self-regulation of G. violaceus transcriptional regulator (GvTcR) are regulated by light, and gene regulation is observed in G. violaceus using the real-time polymerase chain reaction. These results expand our understanding of the natural potential and limitations of microbial rhodopsin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Gon Shim
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Pharmacology Department, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kimleng Chuon
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hyun Kim
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Ji Lee
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myung-Chul Song
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Research Institute for Basic Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin-Gyu Cho
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Research Institute for Basic Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chenda Hour
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Hwan Jung
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea.
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21
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McCoy KM, Ackerman ME, Grigoryan G. A Comparison of Antibody-Antigen Complex Sequence-to-Structure Prediction Methods and their Systematic Biases. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.15.585121. [PMID: 38979267 PMCID: PMC11230293 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.15.585121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The ability to accurately predict antibody-antigen complex structures from their sequences could greatly advance our understanding of the immune system and would aid in the development of novel antibody therapeutics. There have been considerable recent advancements in predicting protein-protein interactions (PPIs) fueled by progress in machine learning (ML). To understand the current state of the field, we compare six representative methods for predicting antibody-antigen complexes from sequence, including two deep learning approaches trained to predict PPIs in general (AlphaFold-Multimer, RoseTTAFold), two composite methods that initially predict antibody and antigen structures separately and dock them (using antibody-mode ClusPro), local refinement in Rosetta (SnugDock) of globally docked poses from ClusPro, and a pipeline combining homology modeling with rigid-body docking informed by ML-based epitope and paratope prediction (AbAdapt). We find that AlphaFold-Multimer outperformed other methods, although the absolute performance leaves considerable room for improvement. AlphaFold-Multimer models of lower-quality display significant structural biases at the level of tertiary motifs (TERMs) towards having fewer structural matches in non-antibody containing structures from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Specifically, better models exhibit more common PDB-like TERMs at the antibody-antigen interface than worse ones. Importantly, the clear relationship between performance and the commonness of interfacial TERMs suggests that scarcity of interfacial geometry data in the structural database may currently limit application of machine learning to the prediction of antibody-antigen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Maia McCoy
- Molecular and Cell Biology Graduate Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Margaret E Ackerman
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Molecular and Cell Biology Graduate Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Gevorg Grigoryan
- Department of Computer Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
- Molecular and Cell Biology Graduate Program, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
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22
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Sehgal A, Sharma D, Kaushal N, Gupta Y, Martynova E, Kabwe E, Chandy S, Rizvanov A, Khaiboullina S, Baranwal M. Designing a Conserved Immunogenic Peptide Construct from the Nucleocapsid Protein of Puumala orthohantavirus. Viruses 2024; 16:1030. [PMID: 39066193 PMCID: PMC11281540 DOI: 10.3390/v16071030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) is an emerging zoonotic virus endemic to Europe and Russia that causes nephropathia epidemica, a mild form of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). There are limited options for treatment and diagnosis of orthohantavirus infection, making the search for potential immunogenic candidates crucial. In the present work, various bioinformatics tools were employed to design conserved immunogenic peptides containing multiple epitopes of PUUV nucleocapsid protein. Eleven conserved peptides (90% conservancy) of the PUUV nucleocapsid protein were identified. Three conserved peptides containing multiple T and B cell epitopes were selected using a consensus epitope prediction algorithm. Molecular docking using the HPEP dock server demonstrated strong binding interactions between the epitopes and HLA molecules (ten alleles for each class I and II HLA). Moreover, an analysis of population coverage using the IEDB database revealed that the identified peptides have over 90% average population coverage across six continents. Molecular docking and simulation analysis reveal a stable interaction with peptide constructs of chosen immunogenic peptides and Toll-like receptor-4. These computational analyses demonstrate selected peptides' immunogenic potential, which needs to be validated in different experimental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Sehgal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147001, India; (A.S.); (D.S.); (N.K.); (Y.G.)
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147001, India; (A.S.); (D.S.); (N.K.); (Y.G.)
| | - Neha Kaushal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147001, India; (A.S.); (D.S.); (N.K.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yogita Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147001, India; (A.S.); (D.S.); (N.K.); (Y.G.)
| | - Ekaterina Martynova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia; (E.M.); (E.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Emmanuel Kabwe
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia; (E.M.); (E.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Sara Chandy
- Childs Trust Medical Research Foundation (CTMRF) Kanchi, Chennai 600034, India;
| | - Albert Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia; (E.M.); (E.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Svetlana Khaiboullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia; (E.M.); (E.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Manoj Baranwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala 147001, India; (A.S.); (D.S.); (N.K.); (Y.G.)
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23
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Kaur B, Karnwal A, Bansal A, Malik T. An Immunoinformatic-Based In Silico Identification on the Creation of a Multiepitope-Based Vaccination Against the Nipah Virus. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 2024:4066641. [PMID: 38962403 PMCID: PMC11221950 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4066641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic viruses pose significant threats to public health. Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging virus transmitted from bats to humans. The NiV causes severe encephalitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, leading to high mortality rates, with fatality rates ranging from 40% to 75%. The first emergence of the disease was found in Malaysia in 1998-1999 and later in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and other South and Southeast Asian nations. Currently, no specific vaccines or antiviral drugs are available. The potential advantages of epitope-based vaccines include their ability to elicit specific immune responses while minimizing potential side effects. The epitopes have been identified from the conserved region of viral proteins obtained from the UniProt database. The selection of conserved epitopes involves analyzing the genetic sequences of various viral strains. The present study identified two B cell epitopes, seven cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, and seven helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitope interactions from the NiV proteomic inventory. The antigenic and physiological properties of retrieved protein were analyzed using online servers ToxinPred, VaxiJen v2.0, and AllerTOP. The final vaccine candidate has a total combined coverage range of 80.53%. The tertiary structure of the constructed vaccine was optimized, and its stability was confirmed with the help of molecular simulation. Molecular docking was performed to check the binding affinity and binding energy of the constructed vaccine with TLR-3 and TLR-5. Codon optimization was performed in the constructed vaccine within the Escherichia coli K12 strain, to eliminate the danger of codon bias. However, these findings must require further validation to assess their effectiveness and safety. The development of vaccines and therapeutic approaches for virus infection is an ongoing area of research, and it may take time before effective interventions are available for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beant Kaur
- School of Bioengineering and BiosciencesLovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Arun Karnwal
- School of Bioengineering and BiosciencesLovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Anu Bansal
- School of Bioengineering and BiosciencesLovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Tabarak Malik
- Department of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of HealthJimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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24
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Hasan A, Alonazi WB, Ibrahim M, Bin L. Immunoinformatics and Reverse Vaccinology Approach for the Identification of Potential Vaccine Candidates against Vandammella animalimors. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1270. [PMID: 39065039 PMCID: PMC11278545 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vandammella animalimorsus is a Gram-negative and non-motile bacterium typically transmitted to humans through direct contact with the saliva of infected animals, primarily through biting, scratches, or licks on fractured skin. The absence of a confirmed post-exposure treatment of V. animalimorsus bacterium highlights the imperative for developing an effective vaccine. We intended to determine potential vaccine candidates and paradigm a chimeric vaccine against V. animalimorsus by accessible public data analysis of the strain by utilizing reverse vaccinology. By subtractive genomics, five outer membranes were prioritized as potential vaccine candidates out of 2590 proteins. Based on the instability index and transmembrane helices, a multidrug transporter protein with locus ID A0A2A2AHJ4 was designated as a potential candidate for vaccine construct. Sixteen immunodominant epitopes were retrieved by utilizing the Immune Epitope Database. The epitope encodes the strong binding affinity, nonallergenic properties, non-toxicity, high antigenicity scores, and high solubility revealing the more appropriate vaccine construct. By utilizing appropriate linkers and adjuvants alongside a suitable adjuvant molecule, the epitopes were integrated into a chimeric vaccine to enhance immunogenicity, successfully eliciting both adaptive and innate immune responses. Moreover, the promising physicochemical features, the binding confirmation of the vaccine to the major innate immune receptor TLR-4, and molecular dynamics simulations of the designed vaccine have revealed the promising potential of the selected candidate. The integration of computational methods and omics data has demonstrated significant advantages in discovering novel vaccine targets and mitigating vaccine failure rates during clinical trials in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Hasan
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (A.H.); (M.I.)
| | - Wadi B. Alonazi
- Health Administration Department, College of Business Administration, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (A.H.); (M.I.)
| | - Li Bin
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (A.H.); (M.I.)
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25
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Bai G, Zeng X, Zhang L, Wang Y, Ma B. Computational investigation of the inhibitory interaction of IRF3 and SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein ORF3b. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 712-713:149945. [PMID: 38640732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
ORF3b is one of the SARS-CoV-2 accessory proteins. Previous experimental study suggested that ORF3b prevents IRF3 translocating to nucleus. However, the biophysical mechanism of ORF3b-IRF3 interaction is elusive. Here, we explored the conformation ensemble of ORF3b using all-atom replica exchange molecular dynamics simulation. Disordered ORF3b has mixed α-helix, β-turn and loop conformers. The potential ORF3b-IRF3 binding modes were searched by docking representative ORF3b conformers with IRF3, and 50 ORF3b-IRF3 complex poses were screened using molecular dynamics simulations ranging from 500 to 1000 ns. We found that ORF3b binds IRF3 predominantly on its CBP binding and phosphorylated pLxIS motifs, with CBP binding site has the highest binding affinity. The ORF3b-IRF3 binding residues are highly conserved in SARS-CoV-2. Our results provided biophysics insights into ORF3b-IRF3 interaction and explained its interferon antagonism mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganggang Bai
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xincheng Zeng
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Linghao Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yanjing Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Buyong Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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26
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Zsolnay V, Gardel ML, Kovar DR, Voth GA. Cracked actin filaments as mechanosensitive receptors. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00411-9. [PMID: 38894540 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Actin filament networks are exposed to mechanical stimuli, but the effect of strain on actin filament structure has not been well established in molecular detail. This is a critical gap in understanding because the activity of a variety of actin-binding proteins has recently been determined to be altered by actin filament strain. We therefore used all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to apply tensile strains to actin filaments and find that changes in actin subunit organization are minimal in mechanically strained, but intact, actin filaments. However, a conformational change disrupts the critical D-loop to W-loop connection between longitudinal neighboring subunits, which leads to a metastable cracked conformation of the actin filament whereby one protofilament is broken prior to filament severing. We propose that the metastable crack presents a force-activated binding site for actin regulatory factors that specifically associate with strained actin filaments. Through protein-protein docking simulations, we find that 43 evolutionarily diverse members of the dual zinc-finger-containing LIM-domain family, which localize to mechanically strained actin filaments, recognize two binding sites exposed at the cracked interface. Furthermore, through its interactions with the crack, LIM domains increase the length of time damaged filaments remain stable. Our findings propose a new molecular model for mechanosensitive binding to actin filaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilmos Zsolnay
- Graduate Program in Biophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Margaret L Gardel
- Department of Physics & Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Institute for Biophysical Dynamics and James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - David R Kovar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Gregory A Voth
- Institute for Biophysical Dynamics and James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Chemistry and Chicago Center for Theoretical Chemistry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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27
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Hassanein F, Fadel HH, Shehata AI, Hamdy NA, Masoud IM. In silico study to explore the mechanism of Toxoplasma-induced inflammation and target therapy based on sero and salivary Toxoplasma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13600. [PMID: 38866852 PMCID: PMC11169245 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63735-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess salivary and seroprevalence of Toxoplasma immunoglobulins in risky populations and evaluate drug docking targeting TgERP. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Alexandria University hospitals' outpatient clinics. 192 participants were enrolled from September 2022 to November 2023. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM were determined in serum and saliva by ELISA. An in-Silico study examined TgERP's protein-protein interactions (PPIs) with pro-inflammatory cytokine receptors, anti-inflammatory cytokine, cell cycle progression regulatory proteins, a proliferation marker, and nuclear envelope integrity-related protein Lamin B1. Our findings revealed that anti-T. gondii IgG were detected in serum (66.1%) and saliva (54.7%), with 2.1% of both samples were positive for IgM. Salivary IgG had 75.59% sensitivity, 86.15% specificity, 91.40% PPV, 64.40% NPP, 79.17% accuracy and fair agreement with serum IgG. On the other hand, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy in detecting salivary IgM were 75.0%, 99.47%, 75.0%, 99.47%, and 98.96%. AUC 0.859 indicates good discriminatory power. Examined synthetic drugs and natural products can target specific amino acids residues of TgERP that lie at the same binding interface with LB1 and Ki67, subsequently, hindering their interaction. Hence, salivary samples can be a promising diagnostic approach. The studied drugs can counteract the pro-inflammatory action of TgERP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faika Hassanein
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Dentistry, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Hewida H Fadel
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amany I Shehata
- Department of Tropical Health, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Noha Alaa Hamdy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Inas M Masoud
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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28
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Efstathiou C, Zhang Y, Kandwal S, Fayne D, Molloy EJ, Stevenson NJ. Respiratory syncytial virus NS1 inhibits anti-viral Interferon-α-induced JAK/STAT signaling, by limiting the nuclear translocation of STAT1. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1395809. [PMID: 38938568 PMCID: PMC11208467 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1395809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory viruses are the most prevalent cause of disease in humans, with the highly infectious RSV being the leading cause of infant bronchiolitis and viral pneumonia. Responses to type I IFNs are the primary defense against viral infection. However, RSV proteins have been shown to antagonize type I IFN-mediated antiviral innate immunity, specifically dampening intracellular IFN signaling. Respiratory epithelial cells are the main target for RSV infection. In this study, we found RSV-NS1 interfered with the IFN-α JAK/STAT signaling pathway of epithelial cells. RSV-NS1 expression significantly enhanced IFN-α-mediated phosphorylation of STAT1, but not pSTAT2; and neither STAT1 nor STAT2 total protein levels were affected by RSV-NS1. However, expression of RSV-NS1 significantly reduced ISRE and GAS promoter activity and anti-viral IRG expression. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated RSV-NS1 bound STAT1, with protein modeling indicating a possible interaction site between STAT1 and RSV-NS1. Nuclear translocation of STAT1 was reduced in the presence of RSV-NS1. Additionally, STAT1's interaction with the nuclear transport adapter protein, KPNA1, was also reduced, suggesting a mechanism by which RSV blocks STAT1 nuclear translocation. Indeed, reducing STAT1's access to the nucleus may explain RSV's suppression of IFN JAK/STAT promoter activation and antiviral gene induction. Taken together these results describe a novel mechanism by which RSV controls antiviral IFN-α JAK/STAT responses, which enhances our understanding of RSV's respiratory disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Efstathiou
- Viral Immunology Group, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yamei Zhang
- Viral Immunology Group, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shubhangi Kandwal
- Molecular Design Group, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Ireland
- Molecular Design Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darren Fayne
- Molecular Design Group, School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Ireland
- DCU Life Sciences Institute, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eleanor J. Molloy
- Paediatrics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Neonatology, Children’s Hospital Ireland at Tallaght, Dublin, Ireland
- Neonatology, Coombe Women’s and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nigel J. Stevenson
- Viral Immunology Group, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Wang T, Ge H, Lin P, Wang Y, Lai X, Chen P, Li F, Feng J. Toll-interacting protein is activated by the transcription factor GATA1 and Sp1 to negatively regulate NF-κB and MAPK pathways in the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 149:109561. [PMID: 38636738 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Toll-interacting protein (Tollip) serves as a crucial inhibitory factor in the modulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate immunological responses. The structure and function of Tollip have been well documented in mammals, yet the information in teleost remained limited. This work employed in vitro overexpression and RNA interference in vivo and in vitro to comprehensively examine the regulatory effects of AjTollip on NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. The levels of p65, c-Fos, c-Jun, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α were dramatically reduced following overexpression of AjTollip, whereas knocking down AjTollip in vivo and in vitro enhanced those genes' expression. Protein molecular docking simulations showed AjTollip interacts with AjTLR2, AjIRAK4a, and AjIRAK4b. A better understanding of the transcriptional regulation of AjTollip is crucial to elucidating the role of Tollip in fish antibacterial response. Herein, we cloned and characterized a 2.2 kb AjTollip gene promoter sequence. The transcription factors GATA1 and Sp1 were determined to be associated with the activation of AjTollip expression by using promoter truncation and targeted mutagenesis techniques. Collectively, our results indicate that AjTollip suppresses the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, leading to the decreased expression of the downstream inflammatory factors, and GATA1 and Sp1 play a vital role in regulating AjTollip expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China
| | - Hui Ge
- Key Laboratory of Cultivation and High-value Utilization of Marine Organisms in Fujian Province, Fisheries Research Institute of Fujian, Xiamen, 361012, China
| | - Peng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China
| | - Yilei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China
| | - Xiaojian Lai
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China
| | - Pengyun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China
| | - Fuyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China
| | - Jianjun Feng
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China; Key Laboratory of Cultivation and High-value Utilization of Marine Organisms in Fujian Province, Fisheries Research Institute of Fujian, Xiamen, 361012, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361021, China.
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Shankar SS, Banarjee R, Jathar SM, Rajesh S, Ramasamy S, Kulkarni MJ. De novo structure prediction of meteorin and meteorin-like protein for identification of domains, functional receptor binding regions, and their high-risk missense variants. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:4522-4536. [PMID: 37288801 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2220804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Meteorin (Metrn) and Meteorin-like (Metrnl) are homologous secreted proteins involved in neural development and metabolic regulation. In this study, we have performed de novo structure prediction and analysis of both Metrn and Metrnl using Alphafold2 (AF2) and RoseTTAfold (RF). Based on the domain and structural homology analysis of the predicted structures, we have identified that these proteins are composed of two functional domains, a CUB domain and an NTR domain, connected by a hinge/loop region. We have identified the receptor binding regions of Metrn and Metrnl using the machine-learning tools ScanNet and Masif. These were further validated by docking Metrnl with its reported KIT receptor, thus establishing the role of each domain in the receptor interaction. Also, we have studied the effect of non-synonymous SNPs on the structure and function of these proteins using an array of bioinformatics tools and selected 16 missense variants in Metrn and 10 in Metrnl that can affect the protein stability. This is the first study to comprehensively characterize the functional domains of Metrn and Metrnl at their structural level and identify the functional domains, and protein binding regions. This study also highlights the interaction mechanism of the KIT receptor and Metrnl. The predicted deleterious SNPs will allow further understanding of the role of these variants in modulating the plasma levels of these proteins in disease conditions such as diabetes.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Shiva Shankar
- Proteomics Facility, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Reema Banarjee
- Proteomics Facility, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
| | - Swaraj M Jathar
- Proteomics Facility, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - S Rajesh
- Proteomics Facility, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
| | - Sureshkumar Ramasamy
- Proteomics Facility, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
| | - Mahesh J Kulkarni
- Proteomics Facility, Division of Biochemical Sciences, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Bhalerao P, Singh S, Prajapati VK, Bhatt TK. Exploring malaria parasite surface proteins to devise highly immunogenic multi-epitope subunit vaccine for Plasmodium falciparum. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2024; 22:100377. [PMID: 38797552 PMCID: PMC11089370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2024.100377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria has remained a major health concern for decades among people living in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Plasmodium falciparum is one of the critical species that cause severe malaria and is responsible for major mortality. Moreover, the parasite has generated resistance against all WHO recommended drugs and therapies. Therefore, there is an urgent need for preventive measures in the form of reliable vaccines to achieve the target of a malaria-free world. Surface proteins are the preferable choice for subunit vaccine development because they are rapidly detected and engaged by host immune cells and vaccination-induced antibodies. Additionally, abundant surface or membrane proteins may contribute to the opsonization of pathogens by vaccine-induced antibodies. RESULTS In our study, we have listed all those surface proteins from the literature that could be functionally important and essential for infection and immune evasion of the malaria parasite. Eight Plasmodium surface and membrane proteins from the pre-erythrocyte and erythrocyte stages were shortlisted. Thirty-seven epitopes (B-cell, CTL, and HTL epitopes) from these proteins were predicted using immune-informatic tools and joined with suitable peptide linkers to design a vaccine construct. A TLR-4 agonist peptide adjuvant was added at the N-terminus of the multi-epitope series, followed by the PADRE sequence and EAAAK linker. The TLR-4 receptor was docked with the construct's anticipated model structure. The complex of vaccine and TLR-4, with the lowest energy -1514, was found to be stable under simulated physiological settings. CONCLUSION This study has provided a novel multi-epitope construct that may be exploited further for the development of an efficient vaccine for malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preshita Bhalerao
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandar Sindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer 305817, Rajasthan, India
| | - Satyendra Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandar Sindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer 305817, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi 110021, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandar Sindri, Kishangarh, Ajmer 305817, Rajasthan, India.
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Lakhi A, Fanucchi S. Identification and characterisation of a novel interaction between oestrogen receptor alpha and FOXP2. Biochimie 2024; 221:65-74. [PMID: 38296156 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Forkhead box P2 (FOXP2) regulates expression of various genes and is associated with language, speech and neural development as well as cancer. Since there may be a putative link between sex and language and because transcription factors rarely function in isolation, this study aims to investigate whether FOXP2 directly associates with oestrogen receptor α (ER1), a nuclear receptor responsible for sexual differentiation that is also associated with cancer. Isothermal titration calorimetry and fluorescence anisotropy were used to investigate the interaction between the DNA-binding forkhead domain (FHD) of FOXP2, the N-terminal region (NT) of FOXP2, and the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of ER1. ER1 LBD does not interact with FOXP2 NT but associates with apo-FOXP2 FHD in an enthalpically favourable manner. The affinity of this interaction is inversely correlated to the salt concentration. Additionally, FOXP2 FHD that is bound to ER1 LBD, has reduced ability to interact with its cognate DNA. This research identifies a novel interaction between ER1 LBD and FOXP2 FHD and shows that the interaction is regulated by salt. Moreover, FOXP2 FHD cannot bind to both ER1 LBD and DNA simultaneously, suggesting that this interaction could be involved in regulating the transcriptional pathway of FOXP2 should the interaction be found in vivo. This study could serve as a foundation for uncovering the basis of sexual dimorphism in speech and language development and related disorders and potentially offers an alternate for targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aasiya Lakhi
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Jan Smuts Ave, Braamfontein, 2050, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Sylvia Fanucchi
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Jan Smuts Ave, Braamfontein, 2050, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
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Alawadi ZI, Alsultan A, Alsallami D, Alnomasy SF, Alqasmi M, Almufarriji FM, Alotaibi BS, Mazhari BBZ, Alenazy R. Designing a multiepitope mRNA-based vaccine against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection in calves: Immunoinformatics and molecular modeling approach. Open Vet J 2024; 14:1417-1425. [PMID: 39055761 PMCID: PMC11268904 DOI: 10.5455/ovj.2024.v14.i6.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Escherichia coli is one of the serious pathogens causing various infections in the animal field, such as neonatal calf diarrhea, which is responsible for mortality associated with diarrhea during the first days of life. Aim Current work is aimed at designing an effective and safe multiepitope vaccine candidate against E. coli infection in calves based on the fimbrial protein K99 of Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and Immuno-informatics. Methods A conserved sequence of K99 protein was generated, and then highly antigenic, nonallergic, and overlapped epitopes were used to construct a multiepitope vaccine. Five THL, six MHC II, and four beta cell epitopes were targeted to create the candidate. The candidate vaccine was produced utilizing 15 epitopes and three types of linkers, two types of untranslated region (UTR) human hemoglobin subunit beta (HBB), UTR beta-globin (Rabb), and RpfE protein as an immunomodulation adjuvant. Results Immuno-informatics analysis of the constructed protein showed that the protein was antigenic (antigenic score of 0.8841), stable, nonallergen, and soluble. Furthermore, the Immuno-informatics and physiochemical analysis of the constructed protein showed a stable, nonallergic, soluble, hydrophilic, and acidic PI (isoelectric point). of 9.34. Docking of the candidate vaccine with the toll-like receptor TLR3 was performed, and results showed a strong interaction between the immune receptor and the vaccine. Finally, the expression efficiency of the construct in E. coli was estimated via computational cloning of the vaccine sequence into Pet28a. Conclusion Results of immunoinformatics and in silico approaches reveal that the designed vaccine is antigenic, stable, and able to bind to the immune cell receptors. Our results interpret the proposed multiepitope mRNA vaccine as a good preventive option against E. coli infection in calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Isam Alawadi
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al- Diwaniyah, Iraq
| | - Amjed Alsultan
- Department of Internal and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al- Diwaniyah, Iraq
| | - Dhama Alsallami
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
| | - Sultan F. Alnomasy
- Medical Laboratories Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al- Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alqasmi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Shaqra, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fawaz M. Almufarriji
- Medical Laboratories Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al- Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader S. Alotaibi
- Medical Laboratories Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al- Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bi Bi Zainab Mazhari
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakakah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rawaf Alenazy
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Shaqra, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
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Han R, Zhu T, Zhou L, Chen M, Wang D, Liu J. Association mechanism between Arabidopsis immune coreceptor BAK1 and Pseudomonas syringae effector HopF2. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 710:149871. [PMID: 38579538 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Brassinosteroid activated kinase 1 (BAK1) is a cell-surface coreceptor which plays multiple roles in innate immunity of plants. HopF2 is an effector secreted by the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 into Arabidopsis and suppresses host immune system through interaction with BAK1 as well as its downstream kinase MKK5. The association mechanism of HopF2 to BAK1 remains unclear, which prohibits our understanding and subsequent interfering of their interaction for pathogen management. Herein, we found the kinase domain of BAK1 (BAK1-KD) is sufficient for HopF2 association. With a combination of hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and mutational assays, we found a region of BAK1-KD N-lobe and a region of HopF2 head subdomain are critical for intermolecular interaction, which is also supported by unbiased protein-protein docking with ClusPro and kinase activity assay. Collectively, this research presents the interaction mechanism between Arabidopsis BAK1 and P. syringae HopF2, which could pave the way for bactericide development that blocking the functioning of HopF2 toward BAK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Han
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory for Crop Pest Monitoring and Green Control, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tongtong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory for Crop Pest Monitoring and Green Control, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lili Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory for Crop Pest Monitoring and Green Control, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Meiqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory for Crop Pest Monitoring and Green Control, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Dongli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory for Crop Pest Monitoring and Green Control, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Junfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Maize Bio-breeding, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory for Crop Pest Monitoring and Green Control, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Alafate W, Lv G, Zheng J, Cai H, Wu W, Yang Y, Du S, Zhou D, Wang P. Targeting ARNT attenuates chemoresistance through destabilizing p38α-MAPK signaling in glioblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:366. [PMID: 38806469 PMCID: PMC11133443 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06735-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal brain tumor in adults. This study aimed to investigate the functional significance of aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) in the pathogenesis of GBM. Analysis of public datasets revealed ARNT is upregulated in GBM tissues compared to lower grade gliomas or normal brain tissues. Higher ARNT expression correlated with the mesenchymal subtype and poorer survival in GBM patients. Silencing ARNT using lentiviral shRNAs attenuated the proliferative, invasive, and stem-like capabilities of GBM cell lines, while ARNT overexpression enhanced these malignant phenotypes. Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovered that ARNT is highly expressed in a stem-like subpopulation and is involved in regulating glycolysis, hypoxia response, and stress pathways. Mechanistic studies found ARNT activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to promote chemoresistance in GBM cells. Disrupting the ARNT/p38α protein interaction via the ARNT PAS-A domain restored temozolomide sensitivity. Overall, this study demonstrates ARNT functions as an oncogenic driver in GBM pathogenesis and represents a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahafu Alafate
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Gen Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiantao Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiping Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shichao Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heyuan People's Hospital, Heyuan, China.
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Cho SG, Kim JH, Lee JE, Choi IJ, Song M, Chuon K, Shim JG, Kang KW, Jung KH. Heliorhodopsin-mediated light-modulation of ABC transporter. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4306. [PMID: 38773114 PMCID: PMC11109279 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48650-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Heliorhodopsins (HeRs) have been hypothesized to have widespread functions. Recently, the functions for few HeRs have been revealed; however, the hypothetical functions remain largely unknown. Herein, we investigate light-modulation of heterodimeric multidrug resistance ATP-binding cassette transporters (OmrDE) mediated by Omithinimicrobium cerasi HeR. In this study, we classifiy genes flanking the HeR-encoding genes and identify highly conservative residues for protein-protein interactions. Our results reveal that the interaction between OcHeR and OmrDE shows positive cooperatively sequential binding through thermodynamic parameters. Moreover, light-induced OcHeR upregulates OmrDE drug transportation. Hence, the binding may be crucial to drug resistance in O. cerasi as it survives in a drug-containing habitat. Overall, we unveil a function of HeR as regulatory rhodopsin for multidrug resistance. Our findings suggest potential applications in optogenetic technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Gyu Cho
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
- Research Institute for Basic Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hyun Kim
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - In-Jung Choi
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myungchul Song
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kimleng Chuon
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin-Gon Shim
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kun-Wook Kang
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwang-Hwan Jung
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea.
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González-Esparragoza D, Carrasco-Carballo A, Rosas-Murrieta NH, Millán-Pérez Peña L, Luna F, Herrera-Camacho I. In Silico Analysis of Protein-Protein Interactions of Putative Endoplasmic Reticulum Metallopeptidase 1 in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4609-4629. [PMID: 38785548 PMCID: PMC11120530 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Ermp1 is a putative metalloprotease from Schizosaccharomyces pombe and a member of the Fxna peptidases. Although their function is unknown, orthologous proteins from rats and humans have been associated with the maturation of ovarian follicles and increased ER stress. This study focuses on proposing the first prediction of PPI by comparison of the interologues between humans and yeasts, as well as the molecular docking and dynamics of the M28 domain of Ermp1 with possible target proteins. As results, 45 proteins are proposed that could interact with the metalloprotease. Most of these proteins are related to the transport of Ca2+ and the metabolism of amino acids and proteins. Docking and molecular dynamics suggest that the M28 domain of Ermp1 could hydrolyze leucine and methionine residues of Amk2, Ypt5 and Pex12. These results could support future experimental investigations of other Fxna peptidases, such as human ERMP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia González-Esparragoza
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Centro de Química del Instituto de Ciencias (ICUAP), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico; (D.G.-E.); (N.H.R.-M.); (L.M.-P.P.)
- Laboratorio de Elucidación y Síntesis en Química Orgánica, Instituto de Ciencias de la Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (ICUAP), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Alan Carrasco-Carballo
- Laboratorio de Elucidación y Síntesis en Química Orgánica, Instituto de Ciencias de la Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (ICUAP), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades Ciencia y Tecnología, Instituto de Ciencias de la Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (ICUAP), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Nora H. Rosas-Murrieta
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Centro de Química del Instituto de Ciencias (ICUAP), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico; (D.G.-E.); (N.H.R.-M.); (L.M.-P.P.)
| | - Lourdes Millán-Pérez Peña
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Centro de Química del Instituto de Ciencias (ICUAP), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico; (D.G.-E.); (N.H.R.-M.); (L.M.-P.P.)
| | - Felix Luna
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico;
| | - Irma Herrera-Camacho
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Centro de Química del Instituto de Ciencias (ICUAP), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72570, Mexico; (D.G.-E.); (N.H.R.-M.); (L.M.-P.P.)
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Anwar HM, Salem GEM, Abd El-Latief HM, Osman AAE, Ghanem SK, Khan H, Chavanich S, Darwish A. Therapeutic potential of proteases in acute lung injury and respiratory distress syndrome via TLR4/Nrf2/NF-kB signaling modulation. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 267:131153. [PMID: 38574930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn attention to acute lung injury and respiratory distress syndrome as major causes of death, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatments. Protease enzymes possess a wide range of beneficial effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and fibrinolytic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of bacterial protease and chymotrypsin in rats in mitigating acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide. Molecular docking was employed to investigate the inhibitory effect of bacterial protease and chymotrypsin on TLR-4, the receptor for lipopolysaccharide. Bacterial protease restored TLR-4, Nrf2, p38 MAPK, NF-kB, and IKK-β levels to normal levels, while chymotrypsin normalized TLR-4, IKK-β, IL-6, and IL-17 levels. The expression of TGF-β, caspase-3, and VEGF in the bacterial protease- and chymotrypsin-treated groups was markedly reduced. Our results suggest that both therapies ameliorate LPS-induced acute lung injury and modulate the TLR4/Nrf2/NF-k signaling pathway. Each protease exhibited distinct mechanisms, with bacterial protease showing a better response to oxidative stress, edema, and fibrosis, whereas chymotrypsin provided a better response in the acute phase and innate immunity. These findings highlight the potential of each protease as a promising therapeutic option for acute lung injury and respiratory distress syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Mohamed Anwar
- Department of Biochemistry, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Former National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza 11221, Egypt
| | - Gad Elsayed Mohamed Salem
- Reef Biology Research Group, Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Hanan M Abd El-Latief
- Zoology Department, Women's College for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany Abd Elhameid Osman
- Zoology Department, Women's College for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sahar K Ghanem
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Egypt
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan.
| | - Suchana Chavanich
- Reef Biology Research Group, Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Aquatic Resources Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Alshaymaa Darwish
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.
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Sarmah P, Das B, Verma JS, Banik D. The functional and structural characterisation of the bZIP transcription factors from Myristica fragrans Houtt. associated to plant disease-resistant defence: An insight from transcriptomics and computational modelling. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131817. [PMID: 38670182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The bZIP transcription factors play crucial roles in various aspects of plant biology, including development, defence mechanisms, senescence, and responses to both biotic and abiotic environmental stresses. Myristica fragrans Houtt. transcriptome analysis has identified 15 bZIP transcription factors, each exhibiting major conserved domains and motifs such as BRLZ, MFMR, and DOG1. Functional characterisation of these identified MfbZIP factors indicates their predominant localisation within the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that MfbZIP factors cluster into three subgroups alongside annotated bZIP sequences from Magnolia sinica and Arabidopsis thaliana. Moreover, gene ontology (GO) analysis highlights several key functions of MfbZIP, including involvement in defence responses, abscisic acid-induced signalling pathways, and DNA-binding transcription factor activity. Further investigation through KEGG pathway analysis reveals that the amino acid sequences of MfbZIP contain binding motifs for proteins such as TGA, implicated in plant hormone signal transduction pathways associated with disease resistance. To confirm the disease-defence-related activity of the TGA binding protein within MfbZIP, we employed amino acid sequences for 3-D ab initio modelling. Subsequently, we analysed TGA-NPR1 interactions using docking and molecular dynamics simulation analysis. These analyses shed light on the functional and structural aspects of TGA, demonstrating its stable association with NPR1 protein and its significance in the expression of PR1 protein, thus playing a pivotal role in defence responses against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Sarmah
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat 785006, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Bikas Das
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat 785006, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Jitendra Singh Verma
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India; Engineering Sciences and Technology Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat 785 006, Assam, India.
| | - Dipanwita Banik
- Agrotechnology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat 785006, Assam, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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Sahu M, Rani N, Kumar P. Simulation and Computational Study of RING Domain Mutants of BRCA1 and Ube2k in AD/PD Pathophysiology. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:1095-1115. [PMID: 38172369 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-01006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Lysine-based post-translational modification (PTM) such as acylation, acetylation, deamination, methylation, SUMOylation, and ubiquitination has proven to be a major regulator of gene expression, chromatin structure, protein stability, protein-protein interaction, protein degradation, and cellular localization. However, besides all the PTMs, ubiquitination stands as the second most common PTM after phosphorylation that is involved in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) namely, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). NDDs are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded protein aggregates in the brain that lead to disease-related gene mutation and irregular protein homeostasis. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is in charge of degrading these misfolded proteins, which involve an interplay of E1, E2, E3, and deubiquitinase enzymes. Impaired UPS has been commonly observed in NDDs and E3 ligases are the key members of the UPS, thus, dysfunction of the same can accelerate the neurodegeneration process. Therefore, the aim of this study is firstly, to find E3 ligases that are common in both AD and PD through data mining. Secondly, to study the impact of mutation on its structure and function. The study deciphered 74 E3 ligases that were common in both AD and PD. Later, 10 hub genes were calculated of which protein-protein interaction, pathway enrichment, lysine site prediction, domain, and motif analysis were performed. The results predicted BRCA1, PML, and TRIM33 as the top three putative lysine-modified E3 ligases involved in AD and PD pathogenesis. However, based on structural characterization, BRCA1 was taken further to study RING domain mutation that inferred K32Y, K32L, K32C, K45V, K45Y, and K45G as potential mutants that alter the structural and functional ability of BRCA1 to interact with Ube2k, E2-conjugating enzyme. The most probable mutant observed after molecular dynamics simulation of 50 ns is K32L. Therefore, our study concludes BRCA1, a potential E3 ligase common in AD and PD, and RING domain mutation at sites K32 and K45 possibly disturbs its interaction with its E2, Ube2k.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehar Sahu
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Shahbad Daulatpur, Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Neetu Rani
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Shahbad Daulatpur, Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Shahbad Daulatpur, Bawana Road, Delhi, 110042, India.
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Kazakov AS, Rastrygina VA, Vologzhannikova AA, Zemskova MY, Bobrova LA, Deryusheva EI, Permyakova ME, Sokolov AS, Litus EA, Shevelyova MP, Uversky VN, Permyakov EA, Permyakov SE. Recognition of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor by specific S100 proteins. Cell Calcium 2024; 119:102869. [PMID: 38484433 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2024.102869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a pleiotropic myelopoietic growth factor and proinflammatory cytokine, clinically used for multiple indications and serving as a promising target for treatment of many disorders, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, asthma, COVID-19. We have previously shown that dimeric Ca2+-bound forms of S100A6 and S100P proteins, members of the multifunctional S100 protein family, are specific to GM-CSF. To probe selectivity of these interactions, the affinity of recombinant human GM-CSF to dimeric Ca2+-loaded forms of 18 recombinant human S100 proteins was studied by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. Of them, only S100A4 protein specifically binds to GM-CSF with equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd, values of 0.3-2 μM, as confirmed by intrinsic fluorescence and chemical crosslinking data. Calcium removal prevents S100A4 binding to GM-CSF, whereas monomerization of S100A4/A6/P proteins disrupts S100A4/A6 interaction with GM-CSF and induces a slight decrease in S100P affinity for GM-CSF. Structural modelling indicates the presence in the GM-CSF molecule of a conserved S100A4/A6/P-binding site, consisting of the residues from its termini, helices I and III, some of which are involved in the interaction with GM-CSF receptors. The predicted involvement of the 'hinge' region and F89 residue of S100P in GM-CSF recognition was confirmed by mutagenesis. Examination of S100A4/A6/P ability to affect GM-CSF signaling showed that S100A4/A6 inhibit GM-CSF-induced suppression of viability of monocytic THP-1 cells. The ability of the S100 proteins to modulate GM-CSF activity is relevant to progression of various neoplasms and other diseases, according to bioinformatics analysis. The direct regulation of GM-CSF signaling by extracellular forms of the S100 proteins should be taken into account in the clinical use of GM-CSF and development of the therapeutic interventions targeting GM-CSF or its receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey S Kazakov
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia.
| | - Victoria A Rastrygina
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Alisa A Vologzhannikova
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Marina Y Zemskova
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia; Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, pr. Nauki, 5, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Lolita A Bobrova
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Evgenia I Deryusheva
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia.
| | - Maria E Permyakova
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Andrey S Sokolov
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Litus
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Marina P Shevelyova
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia; Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Eugene A Permyakov
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia
| | - Sergei E Permyakov
- Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Institutskaya str., 7, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia.
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Zhang Y, Ding N, Li Y, Ouyang M, Fu P, Peng Y, Tan Y. Transcription factor FOXM1 specifies chromatin DNA to extracellular vesicles. Autophagy 2024; 20:1054-1071. [PMID: 37974331 PMCID: PMC11135825 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2284523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicle DNAs (evDNAs) hold significant diagnostic value for various diseases and facilitate transcellular transfer of genetic material. Our study identifies transcription factor FOXM1 as a mediator for directing chromatin genes or DNA fragments (termed FOXM1-chDNAs) to extracellular vesicles (EVs). FOXM1 binds to MAP1LC3/LC3 in the nucleus, and FOXM1-chDNAs, such as the DUX4 gene and telomere DNA, are designated by FOXM1 binding and translocated to the cytoplasm before being released to EVs through the secretory autophagy during lysosome inhibition (SALI) process involving LC3. Disrupting FOXM1 expression or the SALI process impairs FOXM1-chDNAs incorporation into EVs. FOXM1-chDNAs can be transmitted to recipient cells via EVs and expressed in recipient cells when they carry functional genes. This finding provides an example of how chromatin DNA fragments are specified to EVs by transcription factor FOXM1, revealing its contribution to the formation of evDNAs from nuclear chromatin. It provides a basis for further exploration of the roles of evDNAs in biological processes, such as horizontal gene transfer.Abbreviation: ATG5: autophagy related 5; CCFs: cytoplasmic chromatin fragments; ChIP: chromatin immunoprecipitation; cytoDNA: cytoplasmic DNA; CQ: chloroquine; FOXM1-DBD: FOXM1 DNA binding domain; DUX4:double homeobox 4; EVs: extracellular vesicles; evDNAs: extracellular vesicle DNAs; FOXM1: forkhead box M1; FOXM1-chDNAs: chromatin DNA fragments directed by FOXM1 to EVs; HGT: horizontal gene transfer; LC3-II: lipid modified LC3; LMNB1: lamin B1; LIR: LC3-interacting region; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MVBs: multivesicular bodies; M1-binding DNA: a linear DNA containing 72× FOXM1 binding sites; SALI: secretory autophagy during lysosome inhibition; siRNA: small interfering RNA; TetO-DUX4: TetO array-containing DUX4 DNA; TetO: tet operator; TetR: tet repressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, PR China
| | - Nana Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yizhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Min Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ping Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yousong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yongjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
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Wang J, Jiang F, Cheng P, Ye Z, Li L, Yang L, Zhuang L, Gong W. Construction of novel multi-epitope-based diagnostic biomarker HP16118P and its application in the differential diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis latent infection. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:15. [PMID: 38679629 PMCID: PMC11056354 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that significantly threatens human health. However, the differential diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis (ATB) remains a challenge for clinicians in early detection and preventive intervention. In this study, we developed a novel biomarker named HP16118P, utilizing 16 helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes, 11 cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, and 8 B cell epitopes identified from 15 antigens associated with LTBI-RD using the IEDB database. We analyzed the physicochemical properties, spatial structure, and immunological characteristics of HP16118P using various tools, which indicated that it is a hydrophilic and relatively stable alkaline protein. Furthermore, HP16118P exhibited good antigenicity and immunogenicity, while being non-toxic and non-allergenic, with the potential to induce immune responses. We observed that HP16118P can stimulate the production of high levels of IFN-γ+ T lymphocytes in individuals with ATB, LTBI, and health controls. IL-5 induced by HP16118P demonstrated potential in distinguishing LTBI individuals and ATB patients (p=0.0372, AUC=0.8214, 95% CI [0.5843 to 1.000]) with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 71.43%. Furthermore, we incorporated the GM-CSF, IL-23, IL-5, and MCP-3 induced by HP16118P into 15 machine learning algorithms to construct a model. It was found that the Quadratic discriminant analysis model exhibited the best diagnostic performance for discriminating between LTBI and ATB, with a sensitivity of 1.00, specificity of 0.86, and accuracy of 0.93. In summary, HP16118P has demonstrated strong antigenicity and immunogenicity, with the induction of GM-CSF, IL-23, IL-5, and MCP-3, suggesting their potential for the differential diagnosis of LTBI and ATB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute of Tuberculosis Research, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, 17#Heishanhu Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100091, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Fan Jiang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute of Tuberculosis Research, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, 17#Heishanhu Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100091, China
- Section of Health, No. 94804 Unit of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Shanghai, 200434, China
- Resident standardization training cadet corps, Air Force Hospital of Eastern Theater, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute of Tuberculosis Research, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, 17#Heishanhu Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Zhaoyang Ye
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute of Tuberculosis Research, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, 17#Heishanhu Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100091, China
- Hebei North University, ZhangjiakouHebei, 075000, China
| | - Linsheng Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute of Tuberculosis Research, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, 17#Heishanhu Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100091, China
- Hebei North University, ZhangjiakouHebei, 075000, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute of Tuberculosis Research, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, 17#Heishanhu Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100091, China
- Hebei North University, ZhangjiakouHebei, 075000, China
| | - Li Zhuang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute of Tuberculosis Research, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, 17#Heishanhu Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100091, China
- Hebei North University, ZhangjiakouHebei, 075000, China
| | - Wenping Gong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Institute of Tuberculosis Research, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, The Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, 17#Heishanhu Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100091, China.
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Zheng T, Shen B, Bai Y, Li E, Zhang X, Hu Y, Gao T, Dong Q, Zhu L, Jin R, Shi H, Liu H, Gao Y, Liu X, Cao C. The PKA-CREB1 axis regulates coronavirus proliferation by viral helicase nsp13 association. J Virol 2024; 98:e0156523. [PMID: 38445884 PMCID: PMC11019953 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01565-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has posed a worldwide threat in the past 3 years. Although it has been widely and intensively investigated, the mechanism underlying the coronavirus-host interaction requires further elucidation, which may contribute to the development of new antiviral strategies. Here, we demonstrated that the host cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB1) interacts with the non-structural protein 13 (nsp13) of SARS-CoV-2, a conserved helicase for coronavirus replication, both in cells and in lung tissues subjected to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ATPase and helicase activity of viral nsp13 were shown to be potentiated by CREB1 association, as well as by Protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated CREB1 activation. SARS-CoV-2 replication is significantly suppressed by PKA Cα, cAMP-activated protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PRKACA), and CREB1 knockdown or inhibition. Consistently, the CREB1 inhibitor 666-15 has shown significant antiviral effects against both the WIV04 strain and the Omicron strain of the SARS-CoV-2. Our findings indicate that the PKA-CREB1 signaling axis may serve as a novel therapeutic target against coronavirus infection. IMPORTANCE In this study, we provide solid evidence that host transcription factor cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB1) interacts directly with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) helicase non-structural protein 13 (nsp13) and potentiate its ATPase and helicase activity. And by live SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, the inhibition of CREB1 dramatically impairs SARS-CoV-2 replication in vivo. Notably, the IC50 of CREB1 inhibitor 666-15 is comparable to that of remdesivir. These results may extend to all highly pathogenic coronaviruses due to the conserved nsp13 sequences in the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Zheng
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Beilei Shen
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Entao Li
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Gao
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Qincai Dong
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Jin
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Hainan Liu
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwei Gao
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Cao
- Genetic Engineering Research Laboratory, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
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Bian J, Chen R, Gu S, Wang W, Yang X. Quantitative proteomics analysis identified new interacting proteins of JAL30 in Arabidopsis. J Proteomics 2024; 297:105127. [PMID: 38367771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Jacalin-related lectins (JALs) are a unique group of plant lectins derived from the jacalin protein family, which play important roles in plant defense responses. JAL30/PBP1 (PYK10 binding protein 1) interacts with inactive PYK10, exerting negative regulatory control over the size of the PYK10 complex, which is formed and activated upon insect or pathogen invasion. However, the precise interplay between JAL30 and other components remains elusive. In this study, we found JAL30 as a nucleocytoplasmic protein, but no obvious phenotype was observed in jal30-1 single mutant. Through immunoprecipitation (IP) enrichment combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), dozens of new JAL30 interacting proteins were found in addition to several reported ones. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that these interacting proteins were highly related to the wounding and bacterial stimuli, suggesting their potential involvement in the jasmonate (JA) response. Importantly, the expression of JAL30 was induced by MeJA treatment, further highlighting its relevance in plant defense mechanisms. A novel JAL30 interacting protein, ESM1, was identified and its interaction with JAL30 was confirmed by Co-immunoprecipitation. Moreover, ESM1 was found as an O-GlcNAcylated protein, suggesting that JAL30 may possess glycosylated protein binding ability, particularly in O-GlcNAcylated protein and peptide recognition. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into the interacting protein network and biological function of JAL30, demonstrates the interaction between JAL30 and ESM1, and uncovers the potential significance of JAL30 in plant defense system, potentially through its association with PYK10 complex or JA response. SIGNIFICANCE: The biological functions of lectin proteins, including defense responses, immunity responses, signal transduction, have been well studied. Lectin proteins were also utilized to enrich glycosylated proteins for their specific carbohydrates binding capability. Jacalin-related lectins (JALs) were found to involve in plant defense mechanism. However, it is not yet clear whether JALs could use for enrichment of glycosylated proteins. In this study, we used label-free quantification method to identify interacting proteins of JAL30. A novel interacting protein, ESM1, as an O-GlcNAcylated protein was found. ESM1 has been reported to take part in defense against insect herbivory. Therefore, our findings provided experimental evidence to confirm that JALs have potential to be developed as the bio-tools to enrich glycosylated proteins. Finally, our data not only illustrated the vital biological role of JALs in plants, but also verified unique function of JAL30 in recognizing O-GlcNAcylated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghu Bian
- College of Juncao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Rongqing Chen
- College of Juncao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shiting Gu
- College of Juncao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenfei Wang
- College of Juncao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Crop Ecology and Molecular Physiology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fujian Province University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xuelian Yang
- College of Juncao Science and Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Agroecological Processing and Safety Monitoring, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China.
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46
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Zhou L, Deng Z, Wang Y, Zhang H, Yan S, Kanwar YS, Wang Y, Dai Y, Deng F. PRMT4 interacts with NCOA4 to inhibit ferritinophagy in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23584. [PMID: 38568836 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302596r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is commonly seen in the clinical practice, and ferroptosis, a type of non-apoptotic cell death, plays a pivotal role in it. Previous studies suggested that protein arginine methyltransferase 4 (PRMT4) was incorporated in various bioprocesses, but its role in renal injuries has not been investigated. Our present study showed that PRMT4 was highly expressed in renal proximal tubular cells, and it was downregulated in cisplatin-induced AKI. Besides, genetic disruption of PRMT4 exacerbated, while its overexpression attenuated, cisplatin-induced redox injuries in renal proximal epithelia. Mechanistically, our work showed that PRMT4 interacted with NCOA4 to inhibit ferritinophagy, a type of selective autophagy favoring lipid peroxidation to accelerate ferroptosis. Taken together, our study demonstrated that PRMT4 interacted with NCOA4 to attenuate ferroptosis in cisplatin-induced AKI, suggesting that PRMT4 might present as a new therapeutic target for cisplatin-related nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhi Zhou
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
| | - Zebin Deng
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
| | - Yilong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
| | - Shu Yan
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yashpal S Kanwar
- Departments of Pathology & Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yinhuai Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingbo Dai
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Deng
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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47
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García-Cortés CG, Parés-Matos EI. New Regulatory roles for Human Serum Amyloid A. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN ONCOLOGY 2024; 3:3249. [PMID: 39044740 PMCID: PMC11262547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The current study illuminates the multifaceted role of Serum Amyloid A (SAA), an essential acute-phase protein implicated in diverse biological realms, encompassing inflammation, oncogenesis, and stress modulation. With a focus on delineating the intricate protein-protein interactions orchestrated by SAA, this investigation unravels its diverse functions within the human physiological landscape. Utilizing the HepG2 cell line, renowned for its proficiency in facilitating SAA overexpression, we meticulously generated protein extracts after inducing SAA hyperexpression. Integrating Co-Immunoprecipitation techniques with Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) enabled discernment and characterization of the protein complexes intricately associated with SAA. Our data elucidates a pronounced upregulation in SAA expression levels within induced samples compared to controls, substantiating its pivotal role among inflammatory cascades. Specifically, LC/MS/MS profiling delineated interactions with nine distinct proteins, encompassing pivotal players in actin dynamics, neuronal morphogenesis, lipid homeostasis, and immunomodulation. Furthermore, this investigation underscores the plausible ramifications of these molecular interactions in pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, oncological manifestations, and rheumatoid arthritis. Through comprehensive analyses, this investigation sheds light on the intricate roles of SAA and provides a foundation for future therapeutic modalities targeting SAA pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G García-Cortés
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, CALL BOX 9000, Mayagüez, PR 00681-9000
| | - Elsie I Parés-Matos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, CALL BOX 9000, Mayagüez, PR 00681-9000
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48
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Grassmann G, Miotto M, Desantis F, Di Rienzo L, Tartaglia GG, Pastore A, Ruocco G, Monti M, Milanetti E. Computational Approaches to Predict Protein-Protein Interactions in Crowded Cellular Environments. Chem Rev 2024; 124:3932-3977. [PMID: 38535831 PMCID: PMC11009965 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Investigating protein-protein interactions is crucial for understanding cellular biological processes because proteins often function within molecular complexes rather than in isolation. While experimental and computational methods have provided valuable insights into these interactions, they often overlook a critical factor: the crowded cellular environment. This environment significantly impacts protein behavior, including structural stability, diffusion, and ultimately the nature of binding. In this review, we discuss theoretical and computational approaches that allow the modeling of biological systems to guide and complement experiments and can thus significantly advance the investigation, and possibly the predictions, of protein-protein interactions in the crowded environment of cell cytoplasm. We explore topics such as statistical mechanics for lattice simulations, hydrodynamic interactions, diffusion processes in high-viscosity environments, and several methods based on molecular dynamics simulations. By synergistically leveraging methods from biophysics and computational biology, we review the state of the art of computational methods to study the impact of molecular crowding on protein-protein interactions and discuss its potential revolutionizing effects on the characterization of the human interactome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Grassmann
- Department
of Biochemical Sciences “Alessandro Rossi Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
- Center
for Life Nano & Neuro Science, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Mattia Miotto
- Center
for Life Nano & Neuro Science, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Fausta Desantis
- Center
for Life Nano & Neuro Science, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
- The
Open University Affiliated Research Centre at Istituto Italiano di
Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Rienzo
- Center
for Life Nano & Neuro Science, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Gian Gaetano Tartaglia
- Center
for Life Nano & Neuro Science, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
- Department
of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, Italy
- Center
for Human Technologies, Genoa 16152, Italy
| | - Annalisa Pastore
- Experiment
Division, European Synchrotron Radiation
Facility, Grenoble 38043, France
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center
for Life Nano & Neuro Science, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
- Department
of Physics, Sapienza University, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Michele Monti
- RNA
System Biology Lab, Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, Italy
| | - Edoardo Milanetti
- Center
for Life Nano & Neuro Science, Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome 00161, Italy
- Department
of Physics, Sapienza University, Rome 00185, Italy
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49
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Rizarullah, Aditama R, Giri-Rachman EA, Hertadi R. Designing a Novel Multiepitope Vaccine from the Human Papilloma Virus E1 and E2 Proteins for Indonesia with Immunoinformatics and Molecular Dynamics Approaches. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:16547-16562. [PMID: 38617694 PMCID: PMC11007845 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
One of the deadliest malignant cancer in women globally is cervical cancer. Specifically, cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in Indonesia. The main infectious agent of cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV). Although licensed prophylactic vaccines are available, cervical cancer cases are on the rise. Therapy using multiepitope-based vaccines is a very promising therapy for cervical cancer. This study aimed to develop a multiepitope vaccine based on the E1 and E2 proteins of HPV 16, 18, 45, and 52 using in silico. In this study, we develop a novel multiepitope vaccine candidate using an immunoinformatic approach. We predicted the epitopes of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T lymphocyte (HTL) and evaluated their immunogenic properties. Population coverage analysis of qualified epitopes was conducted to determine the successful use of the vaccine worldwide. The epitopes were constructed into a multiepitope vaccine by using AAY linkers between the CTL epitopes and GPGPG linkers between the HTL epitopes. The tertiary structure of the multiepitope vaccine was modeled with AlphaFold and was evaluated by Prosa-web. The results of vaccine construction were analyzed for B-cell epitope prediction, molecular docking with Toll like receptor-4 (TLR4), and molecular dynamics simulation. The results of epitope prediction obtained 4 CTL epitopes and 7 HTL epitopes that are eligible for construction of multiepitope vaccines. Prediction of the physicochemical properties of multiepitope vaccines obtained good results for recombinant protein production. The interaction showed that the interaction of the multiepitope vaccine-TLR4 complex is stable based on the binding free energy value -106.5 kcal/mol. The results of the immune response simulation show that multiepitope vaccine candidates could activate the adaptive and humoral immune systems and generate long-term B-cell memory. According to these results, the development of a multiepitope vaccine with a reverse vaccinology approach is a breakthrough to develop potential cervical cancer therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizarullah
- Biochemistry
and Biomolecular Engineering Research Division, Faculty of Mathematics
and Natural Sciences, Bandung Institute
of Technology, Jl. Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
- Department
of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Abulyatama
University, Jl. Blangbintang Lama, Aceh Besar 23372, Indonesia
| | - Reza Aditama
- Biochemistry
and Biomolecular Engineering Research Division, Faculty of Mathematics
and Natural Sciences, Bandung Institute
of Technology, Jl. Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
| | - Ernawati Arifin Giri-Rachman
- Genetics
and Molecular Biotechnology Research Division, School of Life Sciences
and Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Jl. Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
| | - Rukman Hertadi
- Biochemistry
and Biomolecular Engineering Research Division, Faculty of Mathematics
and Natural Sciences, Bandung Institute
of Technology, Jl. Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
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50
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Chen S, Huang X, Zhang X, Li C, Zhang YW. A Conserved Intramolecular Ion-Pair Plays a Critical but Divergent Role in Regulation of Dimerization and Transport Function among the Monoamine Transporters. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4032. [PMID: 38612840 PMCID: PMC11011927 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The monoamine transporters, including the serotonin transporter (SERT), dopamine transporter (DAT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET), are the therapeutic targets for the treatment of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite significant progress in characterizing the structures and transport mechanisms of these transporters, the regulation of their transport functions through dimerization or oligomerization remains to be understood. In the present study, we identified a conserved intramolecular ion-pair at the third extracellular loop (EL3) connecting TM5 and TM6 that plays a critical but divergent role in the modulation of dimerization and transport functions among the monoamine transporters. The disruption of the ion-pair interactions by mutations induced a significant spontaneous cross-linking of a cysteine mutant of SERT and an increase in cell surface expression but with an impaired specific transport activity. On the other hand, similar mutations of the corresponding ion-pair residues in both DAT and NET resulted in an opposite effect on their oxidation-induced dimerization, cell surface expression, and transport function. Reversible biotinylation experiments indicated that the ion-pair mutations slowed down the internalization of SERT but stimulated the internalization of DAT. In addition, cysteine accessibility measurements for monitoring SERT conformational changes indicated that substitution of the ion-pair residues resulted in profound effects on the rate constants for cysteine modification in both the extracellular and cytoplasmatic substrate permeation pathways. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations showed that the ion-pair mutations increased the interfacial interactions in a SERT dimer but decreased it in a DAT dimer. Taken together, we propose that the transport function is modulated by the equilibrium between monomers and dimers on the cell surface, which is regulated by a potential compensatory mechanism but with different molecular solutions among the monoamine transporters. The present study provided new insights into the structural elements regulating the transport function of the monoamine transporters through their dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yuan-Wei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (S.C.); (X.H.); (X.Z.); (C.L.)
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